Gap Set to Unveil Deal
For Mideast Stores

Gap Inc. expects to announce today a franchise agreement to bring its brands to the Middle East, as it moves forward with international-expansion plans despite sales troubles at home.

The San Francisco-based apparel retailer said its franchisee, Al Tayer Group, will open Gap and Banana Republic stores in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The group plans to open about 25 Gap and about 10 Banana Republic stores by 2010, with the first Gap stores opening later this year and the first Banana Republic...